There was a time where I only listened to New Kids on the Block, Michael Jackson, and Garth Brooks. That's all music I'll still listen to, but my older brother was frustrated at my distaste for whatever tunes he was spinning. Dead Kennedys, Cannibal Corpse, and Type O Negative just didn't float my boat (although I eventually became a huge Type O fan). 

It was Soundgarden that served as my gateway into alternative forms of music. That great musicianship paired with Chris Cornell's inimitable singing. I found rock 'n' roll heaven. It was music that comforted me when I was feeling depressed and confused in my adolescence. When I first heard that Cornell is now alive in the superunknown, I accepted it with resignation and calmly texted my brother. The heartbreak came when I heard he took his own life.

No matter how much success or love someone has, that's not a foolproof block against depression or suicidal thoughts. If you're feeling down or like there's no point to anything at all, then please reach out to talk to someone. Ask for help from a friend. Call a suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Anyway, here's where you can check out local art.

The Bearded Monk
122 E. McKinney St.
It's about that time. Funk at the Monk returns Saturday evening with sour beers being the primary focus of the beer selection. In addition to the usual art available from Sanford Black, there'll be shirts available with a design from Matthew Sallack. 

Brick Haus
215 S. Woodrow Ln.
Bearing Capacity: A Delaney Smith Exhibition
Delaney Smith's load-bearing structures compel viewers to think about the stress they bear in their own lives. Friday, May 19 is the last day to view her work. Closing reception will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Bienvenidos: Portal Portraits
This is part of the Tierra Firme project in which artists Analise Minjarez and Sarita Westrup travel through Texas and Mexico exploring the variations of geography and identity from their perspectives of growing up on the border. Bienvenidos is an interactive outdoor installation that takes place on Sunday, May 21 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to naturally dye ceremonial flags in a ritualistic celebration of movement and immigration.

Patterson-Appleton Arts Center
400 E. Hickory St.
Composite of the Soul ft. Justin Archer, Erik Beruvides, and Dan Black
Three local artists teamed up to present a three-dimensional installation utilizing wood sculptures, large-scale murals, and audio/video elements. Composite of the Soft provokes thought on building toward a better future without forgetting the past. The Dentonite recently stopped by to capture a photo essay on the exhibit. Walk through the Festival Hall until June 3 for a free viewing.

Scrap Denton
420 S. Bell Ave.
Scrap's gallery currently features works by Denton ISD's ATC commercial photography students. The featured art pieces available for sale are assemblages using re-purposed photo slides found in the Scrap store. Works are available for purchase and to immediately be taken home.

UNT on the Square
109 Elm St.
Outside the Box, On the Square: Denton ISD Student Art Exhibition
From May 18 to May 22, UNT on the Square will host art work from DISD students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors. Following this showing, UNT on the Square will close for renovations.